Series 3 > Letters of James the Fourth, 1505-1513

LETTERS OF JAMES IV
161
1509]
the foreigner but to the native. Always enjoying literary
studies when leisure permits, Polydore thought it would
be worth while to write the history of the Britons and then
that of the Angles. He has nearly finished his perhaps
ambitious task. Dealing with the island, he has given
equal attention to the Scots in their appropriate place ;
but the account lacks order because there was no writer
to guide him. He has often spoken on the matter to Sir
Gilbert, the King’s chaplain, and asked for at least the
names of the kings, but without success. Would His
Majesty kindly send any annals, if they exist, or a list of
the kings in order, and particularly the achievements of
himself or his people for insertion in the work. Polydore
has not the accomplishment or the erudition to adorn the
narrative, but on the final revision the King will find that
nothing of honour and renown has been omitted through
stupid carelessness.
Subscribed servulus Polidorus Vergilius Urbinas, archi-
diaconus Wellen. H.
283. Charles, Duke of Gueldres, to James IV, Zutphen,
December 22, 1509. n.l. 73 ; brodie, 279.
Rejoices to hear from his chaplain, Master Henry Wret,
of his good health and prosperity. He has lately sent
James a copy of the parts concerning himself in the treaty
between the Emperor elect {Cesarem Romanorum electum)
and the King of France, in which he was comprehended.
This treaty has been kept with difficulty by himself and
his subjects, but alas ! they have suffered intolerable hurt
through the invasion and violence of their adversaries, and
since frequent invasions are not to be endured, he and his
subjects are struggling to the limits of their strength
against them, as the said Master Henry will explain more
fully. Therefore asks James that, mindful of his cause,
he should make it his own, and do something that would
be most acceptable to him. May the Son of the Virgin
guard him from all danger.
L